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Monkeypox virions as seen through an electron microscope. (Cynthia S. Goldsmith/CDC)

South Korean disease control authorities confirmed Sunday that a second case of monkeypox has been discovered in the country.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced that day that genetic testing had shown a positive final result after a suspected case of monkeypox was reported on Thursday, with the patient suffering full-body symptoms and skin lesions.

The patient is a South Korean national who had traveled to Europe before arriving back in South Korea on Aug. 18. At the time, they showed no symptoms.

On Aug. 28, they began experiencing symptoms of fever, headache and dizziness. On Aug. 30, they visited a Seoul-area hospital complaining of localized pain.

Disease control authorities became aware of the situation when the patient inquired directly at a public health office on Thursday. Their case was subsequently classified by an epidemiological investigation with the city of Seoul as a suspected monkeypox infection. Later genetic testing confirmed a positive result.

On Sunday, the KDCA transported the patient to the National Medical Center — the designated treatment institution — to monitor their condition and conduct an in-depth epidemiological study to identify anyone else who may have been in contact with the individual. It also plans to establish the individual’s activities during the time they were infected and to classify the risk of exposure for those who had been in contact.

According to the KDCA, the patient is currently in good condition with only minor symptoms. They have not been vaccinated against monkeypox in the past.

On Aug. 7, disease control authorities provided instructions on monkeypox diagnosis and testing methods and distributed diagnostic reagents to 17 local Institutes of Health and Environment nationwide.

“The cooperation of the public and healthcare professionals is of paramount importance in detecting monkeypox early and preventing its spread within the community,” the KDCA said.

The KDCA urged individuals visiting or traveling to countries where monkeypox is present to observe personal hygiene guidelines such as handwashing and mask-wearing, and asked that anyone who experiences symptoms within the 21 days after arrival contact the KDCA call center (1339) for counseling.

By Park June-yong, staff reporter

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